projo.com interactive
David Dennis

Gigi DeBarros

Adam Litlefield

Jennifer Callaghan

Staff writer Jennifer D. Jordan and photographer Kathy Borchers are following four eighth graders during their last six months of middle school, chronicling an important time and exploring the social and academic pressures facing them.

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Your turn: Parents, what's your greatest fear about your child's transition from middle school to high school?

Your turn: Parents, share your eighth-grade experiences.

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Part One, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006

David Dennis holds his chin in his hands, staring intently at three adults standing at the front of the auditorium. They are guidance counselors from Middletown High School. Read the story.

Listen as Providence Journal staff writer Jennifer D. Jordan introduces the series and hear the students in today's story talk about school and their outside interests, with more photographs by The Journal's Kathy Borchers.

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Part Two, Sunday, April 16, 2006

Gigi DeBarros clutches a manila folder to her chest as she enters art class on a Monday morning last month. The folder holds papers that Gigi believes will change her life. Read the story.

Photo gallery: See more photographs by Journal photographer Kathy Borchers.

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Part Three, Sunday, June 4, 2006

Jenn Callaghan, 13, leans back in the dentist's chair. She has been looking forward to this day -- May 12 -- "for four days short of two and a half years," she says. Read the story.

Photo gallery: See more photographs by Journal photographer Kathy Borchers.

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Part Four, Sunday, June 25, 2006

Adam Littlefield slouches on the sofa, his tie slipping to one side, his eyes darting to the staircase. At age 14, he is engaging in a timeless ritual: waiting for a girl to get ready. Read the story.

Chat Providence Journal education writer Jennifer D. Jordan has spent the last six months following eighth graders, David, Gigi, Adam and Jennifer and their families. Join Jordan for a discussion about the end of middle school on Tuesday at noon at www.projo.com.

Photo gallery: See more photographs by Journal photographer Kathy Borchers.

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Chat: Providence Journal education writer Jennifer D. Jordan discussed her series, Eighth Grade.

Resources for parents and students

Your turn: Parents, what's your greatest fear about your child's transition from middle school to high school?

Your turn: Parents, share your eighth-grade experiences.

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